Dr Öncel Yakar’s comments

If there is no complaint due to gallstones (i.e., if it is detected in control examinations but does not cause any problems), treatment is not recommended, except in special cases. Asymptomatic gallstones do not need to be treated.

However, planned or emergency gallbladder surgery is recommended according to the current clinical picture in patients with gallbladder stones and related complaints as well as in patients with complications related to these stones. Today, as a standard, the gallbladder is separated from the anatomical structures to which it is attached by entering the abdomen with the laparoscopic (minimally invasive) method and is completely removed along with the stones inside. As with kidney stones, only stone-oriented interventions are not suitable for gallbladder stones due to the nature of the disease. Even though gallstones can be dissolved after months of treatment with some drugs, new stones form since the main problem continues. This method can only be tried if the patient is at high risk for surgery in order to reduce their complaints.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder with a minimally invasive method) is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures all over the world. As with any interventional procedure, there are complications that may be associated with this surgery. The patient and his relatives are informed in detail about this in treatment planning, and the surgery is performed after obtaining the appropriate consent form from the patient. Patients are allowed oral intake 6 hours after the operation and are sent home after a one-day hospital stay under normal conditions.

The gallbladder, which has the task of storing and concentrating some of the bile produced by the liver which is required for fat digestion, is a sac-shaped organ located beneath the liver. Gallstones, which are formed by the imbalance of the chemical composition in the bile, are extremely common. It is reported to be found in approximately one out of every 10 people. Although the incidence is high, it does not always cause symptoms. Gallstones that do not cause complaints do not need to be treated. Gallbladder surgery is required only in case of symptoms or if the physician decides for a surgical procedure for other reasons. Successful results are obtained with laparoscopic cholecystectomy, that is, the method of removing the gallbladder with a minimally invasive method.

With more than 25 years of experience in the surgical treatment of liver-biliary tract-pancreatic diseases and laparoscopic cholecystectomy, in addition to liver transplantation, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Didem Öncel Yakar answers your questions.

With the experience of working in this field for many years and performing many surgeries, we are by your side for diagnosis, selection of appropriate treatment and management of surgical processes in our private practice in Ataşehir. May health be with us in every moment of our lives.